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New USMNT golden boy Zavier Gozo closing in on perfect Premier League transfer
4 Aug 2026 19:30 CDT |
4 min read
Analysis
Real Salt Lake wonderkid Zavier Gozo is closing in on a blockbuster transfer to Crystal Palace.
The United States youth international has been one of the breakout stars of the 2026 Major League Soccer season. Although Gozo already had an encouraging 2025 season, playing just over 1,800 minutes, he has taken his game to a completely new level this year.
The 19-year-old has already bettered his attacking output of last season despite technically playing in a more withdrawn role since having been converted into a wingback by Pablo Mastroeni. Gozo has six goals and five assists (including secondary assists) to his name this year.
Gozo spent the offseason improving not just his defensive work but also his weaker left foot. This has made him a more complete player, but his biggest asset is undoubtedly his devastating attacking drive. The teenager is a fearless dribbler and ferocious striker of the ball.
Despite having more defensive responsibilities as a wing-back, the position change has actually given him more attacking freedom. He has greater space to work with when starting from a deeper position, which has made him one of the most exciting players in MLS.
Gozo set for Palace
Numerous European giants have been keeping tabs on his development in recent months, and the player has never made a secret of his desire to head across the pond, preferably as early as this summer.
Speaking ahead of the World Cup, Gozo was bullish about his chances of making it in Europe. However, because of the tournament and the concomitant break in MLS play, transfer speculation has actually been fairly muted in recent weeks.
That has now completely changed, with The Athletic and Sky Sports reporting that Crystal Palace are advancing on a deal for the RSL sensation.
The Eagles are believed to be on the verge of beating several big hitters from smaller European leagues, such as Anderlecht and Feyenoord, to Gozo's signature, with the Premier League's financial muscle playing a key role in putting the Eagles in pole position.
However, even looking beyond the finances of this proposed $15 million transfer, it is a move that, on the face of it, makes a whole lot of sense. Palace are expected to use a system that perfectly suits Gozo.
Pierre Sage, who has joined after winning the Coupe de France with RC Lens, will likely persist with the back-three approach that worked so well for Oliver Glasner at Selhurst Park, having himself had great success with wing-backs in Ligue 1.
Gozo's versatility will stand him in good stead because there is no guarantee that he will actually be played as a right wing-back. Palace have already signed Oscar Mingueza to serve as Daniel Munoz's deputy, which could limit the American's opportunities in that position.
That said, Mingueza can also feature on the left, so it is possible that Gozo will be played in his current position. It is more likely, though, that he will just fill in wherever he is needed, including further forward.
Given his strong attacking numbers, Gozo would probably have reverted to being a winger eventually anyway. This move could accelerate the process, especially with Palace's squad looking thin up top. With Europa League football on the horizon, the Eagles need depth.
Unless he fails to impress Sage, game time shouldn't be too much of a concern for the youngster. There will be plenty of minutes to go around in what is bound to be a hectic season for the South London club.
Gozo will likely rotate between a forward and wing-back role depending on the needs of the team. Learning from Ismaila Sarr and Daniel Munoz, two of the best players in their respective positions in the Premier League, can only be beneficial for the teenager (assuming they stay).
Given his age and reasonable cost (by Premier League standards), there shouldn't be too much pressure on him to hit the ground running, and compatriot Chris Richards will be there to mentor and prepare him for his inevitable senior USMNT debut - which could come as early as this fall.
Although a coaching change always brings with it uncertainty, particularly after a period of unprecedented success, Palace should be fine this season. Gozo is entering a stable, down-to-earth environment, and the club have a strong recent track record of developing elite talent.
He probably won't be a starter anytime soon, and some will argue that he should first have moved to a lesser league where he would have been guaranteed playing time, but this looks a very sensible move for Gozo.
